Buckeyes freshman safety Leroy Roker sheds black stripe
COLUMBUS — Another member of the Ohio State secondary is beginning to flash: freshman safety Leroy Roker has lost his black stripe at the end of Buckeyes training camp.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound safety only had three Power 4 offers coming out of Fort Myers (Fla.) Verot Beach high school — Ohio State, Iowa and Miami — and it only took the Buckeyes one weekend to win his pledge. Now he’s beginning to show why the Buckeyes wanted him so badly as part of their top-five class in 2024.
Roker is the second Buckeyes safety to lose a black stripe this training camp, joining fellow first-year safety Jaylen McClain. Roker has been making plays for the Buckeyes in practice during the end of camp.
“Roke, had had a pick today, been flying around getting to the ball,” Ohio State senior safety Lathan Ransom said Tuesday about the young safety.
Roker may have been the No. 956 overall player, No. 99 safety and No. 132 player in the state of Florida for his recruiting class, but he certainly is making a good first impression. He shed his black stripe Wednesday to officially become a member of the Ohio State program.
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What On3’s Cody Bellaire said about Roker as a prospect
Talking about Leroy Roker, we’re talking about a middle-of-the-field safety that has the ability to play zone coverage as a cover three, cover one high centerfielder. He also has the versatility. I think in the movement skills and the change of direction, hip fluidity and all of that in order to play a cover two safety in order to shut down half the field as well.
When you turn the tape on, this kid flies to the football. His ability to trigger, diagnose and scan the field is as good as almost anyone in the 2024 cycle in terms of safeties. When he decides to go downhill, he comes in with tenacity and he comes in with physicality. This isn’t someone that’s going to be an ankle-biter as a tackler. He’s someone who can wrap up, get his face across and strike ball carriers.
When it comes to his ball skills, he is fantastic. His ability to go up, elevate and actually win 50-50 balls is extremely impressive — especially as a defensive back.
I would say if there is some sort of limitation, or worry to his game at the next level it would be his size. He looks the part of 6-foot plus, however, he is in that 160-pound range. I would love to see his frame fill out. I think it’s going to take about, potentially, two years in order for him to reach full physical development in order to make an impact for three downs and be a consistent player.
